ANN-362.63
Theories of Second Language Acquisition (Az idegen nyelv elsajátításának elméletei) in autumn 2007
Kormos Judit, Tue 08:30–10:00, E 422, host: DEAL (R306)
description & set texts
The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the most important social and psychological theories of foreign language learning. The course will give an overview of the various types of theories, discuss their merits and shortcomings as well as their application to foreign language teaching. After completing this course, students will have a good understanding of the mental and social processes of language learning which can serve as a sound theoretical basis for developing their own beliefs about how languages can be learned and taught.

List of topics

1. Nativist theories of learning.

2. Connectionist theories of learning.

3. Social interactionist theories of learning.

4. Language learning and the dynamic systems approach.

5. Processability Theory

6. The role of input in language learning.

7. The role of output in language learning

8. The role of instruction in language learning.

9. The role of individual differences in language learning learning.

Readings:

De Bot, K., & Loewie, W., Verspoor, M,. (2006). Second language acquisition. An advanced resource book . London: Routledge.

Doughty, C., & Long, M. (Eds.) (2004). The handbook of second language acquisition . Oxford: Blackwell. Selected chapters.

Ellis, R. (1994). The study of second language acquisition . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Jordan, G. (2004). Theory construction in second language acquisition . Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

requirements & assessment
Students are required to participate actively, read the set texts and fill in the task sheets related to the readings. As a major assignment, students will have to write a paper, which gives a critical evaluation of one of the theories or aspects of language learning covered in the course.